It’s not easy to love winter. Beautiful as it is when the sky is all kissed by fog and the trees are all stripped bare; there are certain impracticalities that one cannot ignore.
Like summoning the fearlessness it takes to get out of bed in the morning, texting with numb fingers, and that awkward, painful moment between turning off the shower and reaching for your towel.
Additional daily dilemmas such as—how to dress warm and still look fabulous, how to handle yourself in subzero gale force winds, and, how to hold your toasty takeaway coffee cup with both hands (to keep them warm) while looking effortlessly natural while walking down the street—only add to the awkwardness that is the wintertime.
Winter might look pretty on film—but it’s not always pretty in life. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this hard. Our great southern land might be famous for its surf and sand, but scattered about our sunburnt country are wintertime experiences that put the zing in freezing, taking the drear and making it divine. The temperature might have dropped and you may or may not be able to feel your face, but, with the help of a cheeky winter getaway, it’s going to be okay.
But it’s cold and I can’t even see outside my window in the morning because of that darn wintertime condensation, you might be thinking, how am I supposed to plan a holiday in these conditions? Fear not, we’ve done the groundwork for you. So fix yourself a warm beverage, and read on for some ice-cold inspiration.
Promised Land Retreat, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales
Wake up and greet the winter in the Great Dividing Range, from the comfort of your very own chalet. Nestled amongst 100 acres of forest resembling illustrations of Alice’s wonderland, this intimate escape will add a dash of wilderness to your winter. When you’re not enjoying the mountainous views from your architecturally designed, heated chalet, you can warm up with a spot of tennis, or a bike ride (if you dare). For those who’d rather stay out of the elements, books, DVDs, board games, pool and Ping-Pong await in the nearby games room.
Mouse’s House Retreat, Gold Coast Hinterland, Queensland
Get properly hypnotised by the rolling rainforest at this hinterland hideout, as you curl up amongst luxurious creature comforts. Each self-contained, cedar wood chalet is as characterful as it is cosy, featuring leather lounges and handcrafted furnishings. LCD televisions, stereos and free WiFi are also on hand, for those moments when you take a break from gazing lovingly at the (provided) hard wood in your crackling fireplace. Or, for next-level relaxation, sink into your private triangle-massaging spa bath. Because there’s no time like the winter to soak until you prune.
Huski, Falls Creek, Victoria
For an escape worthy of a postcard (worthy of mounting in the poolroom), you can’t go past this Falls Creek gem. Offering a range of different sized, self-contained apartments, Huski allows you to design your own escape, winter wonderland style. When you’re not busy pacing back and forth, marveling your apartment’s heated marble floors, you can make the most of your frosty surroundings. In winter, Falls Creek Village comes to life; offering starlit night skiing, tobogganing and snowmobile tours—just to name a few.
The Louise, Barossa Valley, South Australia
If winter really, truly, desperately is not your thing, it might be time to escape to the Barossa Valley. The Louise takes what it means to be pampered to an entirely new level, intent on cocooning you in toasty warm luxury. When you’re not sipping on mini-bar beverages from the hearth of your gas log fireplace, you can while away the hours in your spa tub, before rubbing down in a heated towel, slipping into a soft robe, and fixing yourself a Nespresso. If you’d like to spice up your itinerary, additional experiences such as in-suite massages, balloon flights, and breakfasts with kangaroos can also be arranged. Plus, of course, intimate tours with local winemakers—because nothing warms you up quite like a glass of red.
Cape Lodge, Margaret River, Tasmania
There’s something about a lodge that feels particularly apt for a wintertime escape; this Margaret River getaway is the perfect example. Sitting quaint and pretty on its very own vineyard, this boutique country house boasts an award-winning restaurant, tennis court, swimming pool, and perhaps most importantly of all, a massage suite. Most suitable for winter are the property’s Lake View Suites, featuring fully stocked mini bars, walk-in showers, and under-floor heating. For complete, full-body rejuvenation, Cape Lodge provides an indulgent menu of lavish spa treatments. Because, let’s be honest, nothing warms you up quite like a ninety-minute massage.
Pavilions, Hobart, Tasmania
If wood fires and mountain views aren’t really what you’re all about, add a touch of Avant guard to your winter at MONA’s ultra chic Pavilions. Hyper-contemporary in style and secluded in location, each personalised pavilion boasts its own kitchen, laundry, wine fridge, WiFi, and personal security camera (to keep the travel toiletries safe). Wireless touch panels (to manage climate, lighting, info and entertainment) have also been installed—because who really wants to bother with that kind of nonsense when it’s cold? Pavilion guests also have access to a gym, sauna and heated swimming pool—as well as, in case it wasn’t obvious, the Museum of Modern Art next door.
